Postal service for the free flow of information

The postal service is a much needed but under-valued and under-appreciated service throughout the world. However, there is one day when it takes precedence and that is on World Post Day, which is organised by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) on October 9.

The Day was declared to commemorate the anniversary of UPU’s establishment in the Swiss capital of Berne in 1874.

Representatives of 22 countries signed the Treaty of Berne, which resulted in the Union being established. The World Post Day was declared at the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.

Postal services in many countries take part in the event with some using the day to introduce and promote new postal products and services. Most countries organise philatelic (stamp) exhibitions, special stamps and date cancellation marks while exhibitions, display of posters and museum events are also held. The UPU in association with UNESCO has been organising an International Letter Writing Competition for Young People for the past 35 years as part of the celebrations.